Sharapova wants title

Since winning Wimbledon in July 2004 – at the age of just 17 – Sharapova has not managed to regain the same sort of form failing to reach the final of any of the subsequent eight majors.

The young Russian has had a better season this year and is ranked fourth in the world but with a 0-3 record against Mauresmo, Sharapova is aware she is facing a tough match.

"She's definitely the player to beat right now," she said of her French opponent.

"Honestly, I don't have anything to lose going into this match. She's number one in the world. She's won two majors this year. She's got all the confidence in the world. All I want to do is just go out there and enjoy the moment."

The players last met at the same stage of Wimbledon this year, with Mauresmo triumphing 6-3 3-6 6-2.

But that match was on grass and the hard courts of Flushing Meadows will prove a very different encounter, as Sharapova has not yet lost a set, as well as winning in San Diego.

Mauresmo is also aware she will have a fight on her hands if she is too win her third major of the year, and her first US Open crown.

"I think we always had some tough ones and some pretty tight matches," she said.

"She's hitting the ball very hard. She's a great competitor. She really stays in the match, hangs in there whatever happens."

But the Frenchwoman is planning to upset the third seed with her attacking play and changes of rhythm.

Mauresmo said: "The change of pace probably is something that she doesn't like, and that's my game, that's the way I play. I'm going to change."